WATERLOO - The reason for the sport of wrestling's popularity in Iowa has been debated for years.

There is probably more than one correct answer.

But if asked, many respected Iowa state figures on wrestling would point to one man - Frank Gotch.

One hundred years ago, on April 3, 1908, Humboldt's Gotch defeated George "The Russian Lion" Hackenschmidt for the world heavyweight wrestling championship.

Thursday, the anniversary of Gotch's historic victory, the Dan Gable International Wrestling Museum and Institute in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Economic Development and the Waterloo Sports Commission is holding a special tribute to Gotch.

It has also been declared Frank Gotch Day by Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley, by Humboldt Mayor Watler Jensen and across the state by Governor Chet Culver.

"I think as Iowans we should remember 100 years ago something monumental happened for the state and the sport of wrestling," said Mike Chapman, executive director of the Gable Museum and Institute.

Gotch's victory over Hackenschmidt was national news for its era. It appeared on the front page of sports sections from New York to Los Angeles.

Gotch was invited to the White House by Teddy Roosevelt to celebrate the victory and a play, featuring the Humboldt farmer turned professional wrestler, toured up and down the East Coast.

"High schools and colleges around the country and especially in Iowa started picking up the sport," Chapman explained. "It had a huge impact on the amatuer scene, as well as the professional scene which was 100 percent legitmate at that time.

"It was a huge upset. Hackenschmidt was the unbeatable star of Europe, almost like an Alexander Karelin in his prime."

Gotch, who wrestled more than 400 career matches and made more than a half-million dollars during his career, later defended his world title in Waterloo on April 9, 1909, with a victory over Dan McLoed at the Syndicate Theatre at what is now the exact location of the Five Sullivan Brothers Center.

Thursday at noon, the museum is hosting a luncheon at the Five Sullivan Brothers Center to honor Gotch's legacy.

The museum will also be unveiling new artwork of Gotch's match with McLoed and a documentary at the Museum at 2 p.m.

Special guests include Iowa's first four-time prep state champion, Bob Steenlage of Britt, along with Dan Gable, Tolly Thompson and all three 2008 Iowa state team champions - Waverly-Shell Rock, Ballard of Huxley and Don Bosco of Gilbertville.

"Wrestling is known in the state of Iowa, and everything I've read and everything I've been told points back to one man … Frank Gotch," said museum assistant director Kyle Klingman. "And I can't think of a better way to honor that tradition than to honor Frank Gotch on the day he won the world championship."

Contact Jim Nelson at (319) 291-1521 or jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com